Drug interactions
Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Sumatriptan
Severity: Moderate
Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen and Sumatriptan: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Benzhydrocodone is a prodrug of hydrocodone, an opioid with weak serotonergic activity. With triptans there have been reports of serotonin syndrome, although the risk is low.
What this interaction means in plain words
Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen and Sumatriptan can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Possible additive serotonergic activity of the opioid with the 5-HT1B/1D agonist sumatriptan.
What to do
Monitor for signs of serotonin syndrome such as agitation, tremor, clonus, hyperthermia and diarrhea, particularly at initiation or after dose increases. Stop one agent if symptoms develop.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Sumatriptan
- Almotriptan + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
- Eletriptan + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
- Ergoloid mesylates + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
- Ergotamine + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen with Sumatriptan?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen and Sumatriptan can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Benzhydrocodone is a prodrug of hydrocodone, an opioid with weak serotonergic activity. With triptans there have been reports of serotonin syndrome, although the risk is low.
How serious is the interaction between Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen and Sumatriptan?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for signs of serotonin syndrome such as agitation, tremor, clonus, hyperthermia and diarrhea, particularly at initiation or after dose increases. Stop one agent if symptoms develop.
What other medicines interact with Sumatriptan?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Sumatriptan with, for example, Almotriptan, Dihydroergotamine intranasal, Dihydroergotamine. The full list is on the Sumatriptan page.
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